Port scanners are feasible

Re “Stupid House tricks,” editorial, Jan. 15

You should know four key points regarding the House legislation to require that U.S.-bound containers be inspected before they leave foreign ports.

* One of the world’s largest port operators, DP World, supports 100% scanning for U.S.-bound cargo containers, and two of the busiest port terminals in the world, in Hong Kong, successfully scanned 100% of cargo containers.

* To ensure that commerce is not stymied, the bill gives industry five years to meet the new requirements.

* Experts have estimated that 100% scanning can be accomplished for as little as $15 per container.

* The 9/11 commission’s vice chairman, Lee Hamilton, said passage of the recommendations would make Americans safer. Failure to scan 100% of cargo overseas before it departs for U.S. ports could have devastating consequences for our country.

REP. EDWARD J. MARKEY

Washington

Markey (D-Mass.) is a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.